Daijiworld Media Network- Ponda

Ponda, Aug 22: In a major relief to traders, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has once again intervened to put on hold the eviction notice issued by the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) to shopkeepers occupying the dilapidated fish market building.

The PMC had served a 72-hour notice on Wednesday evening, directing occupants to vacate the building immediately. However, following an appeal from the traders, the Chief Minister assured them that the eviction would be deferred.

Despite the CM’s intervention, power supply to the building was disconnected on Thursday morning. Traders led by Gharu Sawant expressed gratitude to the CM and said they had assured him that they would vacate the premises voluntarily on September 7, after the Ganesh festival.

“We had already conveyed the same to PMC, and they had agreed earlier. We do not understand why this sudden notice was issued hastily,” Gharu said.

This is the second time in the last two and a half months that CM Sawant has put such an eviction notice on hold. Earlier, on July 9, traders received temporary relief after similar intervention from the CM.

According to PMC officials, the market building, constructed in 1984, has become structurally unsafe. The structure is said to be leaning dangerously towards the nullah, raising fears of a collapse.

While fish vendors were shifted to a new market on May 15, traders occupying the upper floor have been reluctant to move before Ganesh Chaturthi, citing increased business during the festive season. The PMC has plans to relocate them to the adjacent market complex but has yet to allot specific spaces.

The council maintains that the old building will eventually be demolished to avert any possible tragedy.